While the 1966 original is famous for its frantic tempo and iconic sitar riff, Ciara’s version slows everything down. She reimagines the track as a that lean into a gothic R&B aesthetic. The result is a cinematic experience that mirrors the film’s dark, supernatural themes of grief and eternal struggle. Key Facts About the Track
The collaboration came as a surprise to Ciara herself, who was approached by Universal Publishing and Lionsgate to record the cover.
The lyrics of "Paint It, Black"—originally written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards about the despondency of loss—perfectly align with the story of Kaulder (Diesel), a man cursed with immortality who has lost everyone he ever loved. Ciara’s "wounded" delivery adds a layer of modern "dark majesty" to these timeless themes. Ciara - Paint It, Black (Audio)
Ciara Takes a Dark Turn: "Paint It, Black" & The Last Witch Hunter
While the official score by Steve Jablonsky is available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music , Ciara’s cover was notably excluded from the main soundtrack album. You can still find the audio on YouTube and other streaming services. Why It Works
Critics noted this as a major departure from her usual "sultry bedroom jams," proving her versatility as a vocalist.
Ciara , usually known for her high-energy dance floor anthems, completely transformed her sound for the 2015 action-fantasy film The Last Witch Hunter . Her haunting cover of serves as a moody backdrop to Vin Diesel’s journey as an immortal witch slayer. A Gothic Reimagining